Big Up Britwell 2: A Celebration of Youth Voice, Health and Community
Big Up Britwell 2 proved to be an outstanding success, with young people rating the event an impressive 4.56 out of 5. Building on the energy and impact of the first event, this second instalment brought together more than one hundred young participants for a day dedicated to health, empowerment and, most importantly, listening to the voices of young people.
Hosted at the fantastic Britwell Youth and Community Centre, the event was made possible through funding from Get Berkshire Active. Their support enabled a vibrant and inclusive space where young people could get active, learn new skills and share their perspectives on issues that matter to them.
Intrinsic to the success of the day was the way it had been planned in every aspect through genuine co-production with young volunteers. From the activities on offer to the structure and flow of the event itself, everything reflected their ideas, priorities and vision. It is little wonder that the day resonated so strongly and held such fantastic appeal for the young people it was designed to serve. It was, quite simply, theirs.
Sport, Energy and New Experiences
Physical activity was at the heart of the day, with high-energy sessions delivered by inspiring local partners. Participants honed their skills on the court with TXL’s fast-paced basketball, stepped into the ring to learn boxing techniques with Bulldog Boxing, and developed their cricket abilities with Berkshire Cricket.
The energy extended beyond the playing field, too. BYCP’s fantastic music studio was open for a surprise session, proving to be an incredible hit as young people came together to sing and rap. The day then took a high-tech turn thanks to the wonderful team from Salt Hill VR, who transported participants into immersive digital worlds. More than just gaming, these virtual reality experiences offered a unique way to engage with new technology—building curiosity and providing a fun, shared experience that many were discovering for the very first time.
Collaborating in the studio
Food, Fun and Shrove Tuesday Celebrations
With the event taking place on Shrove Tuesday, food played a special role in the day’s activities. Young people rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on in the kitchen, creating their own delicious smash burgers under the guidance of Chef Kevin Muhammad (recipe below). They also prepared healthy pancakes, putting a nutritious twist on a much-loved tradition.
By combining cooking with conversation about healthier choices, the event reinforced the idea that wellbeing is holistic. It is about moving well, eating well and feeling heard.
Listening to Young Voices
A defining feature of Big Up Britwell 2 was its commitment to meaningful youth engagement, ensuring that young people were not only participants but decision-makers. The listening element of the event was delivered by Slough Youth Parliament, providing a platform for young people to express their views, share their experiences and influence the conversations shaping their community.
This was not simply an event for young people. It was an event shaped by them.
A Community Effort
Big Up Britwell 2 demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations, funders and community spaces collaborate with a shared purpose. The turnout of over one hundred young people, coupled with such high satisfaction ratings, speaks volumes about the appetite for spaces that combine activity, creativity and authentic dialogue.
As the momentum continues to grow, Big Up Britwell stands as a powerful reminder that when young people are trusted, empowered and genuinely heard, the results are extraordinary.
Big Up Britwell Smash Burger “Secret” Recipe
Ingredients (per burger)
1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
1 tsp breadcrumbs
1 tsp beaten egg
Pinch of chilli flakes
Pinch of black pepper
Optional: pinch of fresh coriander
Instructions
Mix the ingredients
In a bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly mixed.
Shape into a ball
Form the mixture into a compact ball.
Heat the pan
Place a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Prepare the surface
Place a small piece of greaseproof paper over the ball and press down firmly with a masher (or heavy spatula) to create a thin smash burger patty.
Cook
Fry for about 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
To Serve
Place cheese on top of the patty just before it finishes cooking so it melts.
Add to a burger bun.
Spoon over the pan juices.
Finish with your favourite sauce.